Guernsey Disability Alliance looks for new champion

The role of championing disability has attracted interest from members of the next States, Guernsey Disability Alliance's (GDA) chairwoman has said.

Deputy Jane Stephens was the first politician to take on the role, but will step down following her election loss in St Sampson on Wednesday.

The GDA will choose a deputy who needs to be ratified by the Policy Council.

Shelaine Green, chairwoman of the GDA, said the champion would be asked to lead work on a new disability strategy.

'Tough act'

The strategy is expected to be debated later this year and will include legislation on respite care, benefits and housing.

Ms Green said the former disability champion, Deputy Stephens, would be a tough act to follow.

She said of Deputy Stephens' failed re-election bid: "The reaction from the members has been one of sadness more than anything.

"Jane was very, very well regarded by our members and she worked tirelessly for us."

She added: "Jane really carved the role out from scratch, because before this term the role didn't exist."

Deputy Stephens was appointed disability champion in March 2009.
(from BBC)

Makes one wonder if many people actually know anything about the people they are, or are not, voting for.

we have manifestos from each candidate kingcole ..jane stephens willbe sadly missed a great campaigner and a lovely lady to boot

Manifestos should be taken with a very large pinch of salt. Politicians will put anything they think you want to hear. I mean knowing people on a more personal level from their achievements, actions, abilities.

Just think how impossible this would be under IWV.

we need iwv as it stands at the moment i can only vote for whoever is standing in my district ..with iwv there would be a better chance of getting a more representative government..people wouldnt be voting for someone just cos they know themas they have lived near them and have known the family for years

IWV is a good idea but we will still need a parish reps in there or some parishes will loose out
and as how do we know folks .we are a island . and we have access to all our deputies personal details .we can phone them ,yext mthem even go and knock on their door when ever we want to
Most will answer you and give you their time .
So we do know who to vote for hence the reason tony webber did not get in and a new boy Joseph Irven did not not get past the door as the dirst has been dished on both and the islanders knew this .

I have spoken to a number of people about this IWV idea, most of whom were enthusiatically keen on it. But not one of them, when asked, could even begin to tell me how they though it could be made to work.

So here's your chance, tell me.

imo sandra james would make a wonderful champion for people with disabilities..